After the soaring success of London 2012, many sports that may have been something of a mystery to most before the summer have been thrust into the limelight. One of the most notable examples is Beach Volleyball. Certain organisations, such as Go Mammoth, help to get people involved in some of these overlooked sports and offer a range of services, from Netball to the more popular sports, such as Football. Beach Volleyball is a sport that the organisation seeks to improve and offers a number of clinics, formats and opportunities for those wishing to get involved.

The rules are relatively straightforward; the court is split in two halves by a large net and each team has two players on each side. The objective is to punch the ball over the net and have it hit the ground on the other side before the opposing team is able to send it back over, just as in regular Volleyball. The team is allowed to have three touches of the ball before it must be sent over the net.

Scoring System

The scoring system in Beach Volleyball differs slightly to regular Volleyball as it’s played to the best of three sets (with 21 being the deciding point) and players are allowed to block at the net whilst this is not a legal move in regular Volleyball.

Another significant part of Beach Volleyball is the fact that players are allowed to move under the net dividing the two halves as long as they are not interfering with their opponent’s play.

Hitting the Ball

The ball has to be hit and can touch any part of the body. This means that it must not be caught or thrown. The ball must also be hit cleanly, meaning that players must meet the ball with both hands at the same time.

Returning a serve, which is usually driven in at pace, means that there is allocation for a slight lift of the ball, but usually, a double-hit of first contact is not allowed. When attacking over the net, it is illegal to ‘soft dink’ or to hit it with an open palm. The ball must be cleanly hit by the hand. If a player manages to block the ball as it comes over the net, this counts as part of their three moves.

There is usually an official refereeing the game and most will understand the differences between beach and regular Volleyball. The court is slightly smaller as well to accommodate the reduced amount of players.

Related articles

• Beach volleyball: 15 teams jostle for medals (times.co.zm)
• Out of the Cage with Emily Podschweit (fiusports.typepad.com)
• Volleyball opts for Cronulla (smh.com.au)

Christmas is meant to be the season of goodwill, but it can become a stressful time when things don’t go according to plan. Modern technology can be beneficial in alleviating some problematical situations.

Television is a big part of Christmas for the family, but there will be occasions when programmes clash. In the past, if there was just one TV in the home then not everyone would get the chance to see all what they wanted to see. That could cause friction, particularly on Christmas Day itself. Now, with catchup TV services like Youview, when unexpected guests arrive it doesn’t need to be such of an issue. You’ll be safe in the knowledge that you’ll be able to see the programme or film you want to see later on, as YouView alone has a whopping 70 digital channels to choose from.

DVDs are good value at any time of the year, but particularly at Christmas time. If a member of the family doesn’t want to watch anything on TV, then a DVD can help to fill the void, and be watched on another TV or on a computer, etc. A film newly released on DVD can be a good idea for Christmas – especially if it is a family film, and something that the whole family can enjoy.

At Christmas, modern technology can also help to fill in quiet periods over the festive season. The latest games can be played on a variety of different devices and can be another example of how technology can be used to promote social activity over Christmas.

With so much to think about in the run up to Christmas it’s easy to forget something. In some cases, the Internet can come to the rescue. You may have forgotten to have posted a Christmas card to someone in time, but, if you have their email address, you can always send them an electronic Christmas card. It’ll be a sign that you’re thinking of them over the Christmas period, and it won’t be such an issue when your original card arrives late.

Modern technology can also come to the rescue over Christmas. Bad weather can cause power outages, so those who will feel lost without being able to use social media over Christmas can turn to their mobile phones, while their PC is unusable.

Modern technology offers some of the most desirable of all Christmas gifts, but modern technology itself can also be used just as a way of keeping the peace!

As the recession begins to thaw, the jobs market seems to be showing early signs of recovery. The Office of National Statistics has announced that since August, the number of people claiming Jobseekers Allowance has fallen by 17,000.

This has been greeted with enthusiasm by leading industry figures. Gary Peters from Crawley and Gatwick jobs sites Gatwick Diamond Jobs states “Measuring claimants rather than unemployed numbers is more realistic as although the numbers are lower they are more up to date and available at a really local level, so you can see exactly what’s happening in our area”.

Another positive statistic is that the total number of people in employment has risen to a record total of almost 30 million. The Government has attributed the rise to their flagship Work Programme, which looks to find employment for job seekers who have been out of work for over six months. To carry on the good work, David Cameron announced an extension of the New Enterprise Allowance scheme. This scheme aims to arrange mentors for unemployed people to gain from a mentor to help draw up business plans.

In particular, there is improvement in the unemployment figures for young people aged between 16 and 24, with a fall of 62,000 jobseekers over three months.

A note of caution has been sounded though by some in the employment industry. One swallow does not a summer make. Gary Peters from Gatwick Diamond Jobs, based in Crawley, offers words of both praise and cautious optimism “There is still a long journey ahead of us and whilst this is positive news, so much more has to be done to ensure we don’t lose a generation. Providing work experience opportunities, particularly within SME’s, can work very well and often lead to full time employment — I know this well having hired 3 apprentices in Brighton in the last 6 months as a result. We all need to continue to work together, across all sectors to ensure our businesses stay robust and growth is still an option, not just a dream.”

Related articles

• Employment figures aren’t what they seem (morningstaronline.co.uk)
• UK News: Jobless face three-year benefit axe (walesonline.co.uk)

Everybody needs a building survey for peace of mind and protection.

When you find the house of your dreams, it is all too easy to kid yourself that everything will be okay and that what you see is what you get. However, beneath that delightful exterior, demons may be lurking.

The first potential hazard is that of the house’s physical condition. While the superficial decor may be bright and new, there is no way of knowing what problems lie beneath the surface for the unwary. Some problems may be obvious, such as the need for new windows, but how can the uninitiated tell if the house has subsidence, or that there’s wet rot in the cellar and dry rot in the loft? In short, they can’t, and that is where a building surveyor comes in. With his specialist training and knowledge, he can assess the state of the house’s fabric and tell you how much any possible repairs are likely to cost.

The second potential hazard when buying a house concerns its legal standing. Although the house may have been in position for many years, as a layman you can’t be sure that it has been built within the allotted legal boundaries. What about that wall at the end of the back garden? Has it been erected in the correct place, or does it encroach on the neighbours land by a few inches? These are typical of the disputes which can destroy lives in later years. Just because everything has been okay to date, it doesn’t guarantee the future, especially when new neighbours move in. A building survey will check out such problems, and many others beside that you wouldn’t even think of, such as building restrictions, rights of way etc.

London is home to a wide variety of wedding venues that are as unique as the couples that exchange their vows there.

The London Eye

Couples can choose to enjoy their special day on the London Eye, in a private capsule that has been decorated with beautiful flowers. The ceremony can even be timed so that couples can exchange their wedding vows atop of the wheel, surrounded by stunning scenery.

Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens provides a picture-perfect natural setting in which couples can select from a variety of memorable civil ceremony and reception venues, including the Prince of Wales Conservatory.

HMS Belfast

Couples can sail into wedded bliss on the HMS Belfast. Surrounded by the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, HMS Belfast is a wedding photographer’s dream venue.

Dulwich Picture Gallery

Nestled in a pretty village, the Dulwich Picture Gallery is a wonderful setting for weddings. With artwork from the likes of Rembrandt and Rubens adorning the walls and surrounded by beautiful landscaped gardens, this venue is the ideal destination in which art enthusiasts can get married.

Ealing Town Hall

Constructed in the 1800s to honour Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee, the stunning Grade II-listed Ealing Town Hall’s function rooms, which are complete with their traditional features, add a sense of occasion to the wedding ceremonies hosted here. Couples can celebrate their big day either in the modern Princes Hall or the ancient Victoria Hall.

London Zoo

London Zoo is a distinctive venue for fans of wildlife to tie the knot. The Grade II-listed Mappin Pavilion is nestled next to Bear Mountain and it is here that wedding ceremonies can be held. Couples who choose to celebrate their marriage here will be contributing to the preservation of the animals that live here.

The Science Museum

For aspiring scientists, the Science Museum is the ideal venue in which to get hitched. Civil weddings can be held in the Director’s Suite while the broad range of modern and traditional galleries can host receptions able to captivate even the most discerning of guests.

Written by Rob from RH Live – who’s London wedding band have played at many of the top wedding venues across London.

IBM @ CeBIT 2010, Hanover, Germany (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Trade shows and exhibitions form an integral part of any business’s calendar. They provide an excellent opportunity for businesses to network with other companies, promote their brand or highlight a new product.

Below are 5 tips for the design of a successful exhibition stand;

What is your objective?

The most successful exhibition stands have a clear purpose. If your business is launching a new product then ensure that said product has priority over everything else. Effective use of pop up stands and other types of point of sale displays will ensure that prospective customers know immediately what you are presenting.

Traffic

The best exhibition stands allow a steady flow of people to walk through without causing huge traffic jams. It is important that you design a stand where people can move about freely without having to dodge equipment or furniture. Moreover, don’t presume that bigger is better. Not only are bigger stands harder to maintain but they also look noticeably empty if occupied by only a small scattering of people.

Lighting

It is crucial that designers find the right balance of lighting in order to provide a good working condition and to complement a stand’s display. Too much light can cause excessive heat which not only makes it difficult to work in but can make it extremely uncomfortable for visitors. On the other hand, not enough light can reduce the impact of visuals and make your stand look dull and uninspired.

Text

Text should always be used sparsely. Visitors get bored of reading large passages of text and any significant information should be put into leaflets or brochures to be read at a later time. If text is necessary, make sure that you use punchy and descriptive words and at a readable size.

Colour

Exhibitors should use an appropriate colour scheme to liven up their stand. Try to avoid colours that are either too dark or too light as this will make your exhibition look flat. A good way of evaluating the right mixture of colours is to visit other exhibitions and then translate appropriate colour schemes to your own corporate identity.

For more advice on designing exhibition stands visit Just Displays who wrote this post for Blog About It

Headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, Japan, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is the fourth-largest Japanese vehicle manufacturer in the world, based on the total global production of automobiles in 2011. Although Mitsubishi Motors’ strongest presence is currently in Japan and in most parts of the Asian region, it has also made a venerable mark in many countries in the Western hemisphere, with much of it attributed to the 5 most popular Mitsubishi cars below:

1. Lancer Evolution – Mainly referred to as the Evo in automobile vernacular, the Lancer Evolution, hailed as the best ever sedan from Mitsubishi, is basically a high-performance variant of the Lancer. With its characteristic 2-liter turbocharged engine, advanced 4WD systems, 18-inch sports alloy wheels, and rear spoilers, the Evo has come a long way since its debut way back in 1992 as the Lancer Evolution I.

To date, there are officially 10 generations of the Evo, the latest of which is the Evo X, an ultra-high performance driving machine, powered by a 4B11 2-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine with an output power of 300 Hp and 400 Nm of torque. Launched in the later part of 2007, the Evo X is featured with exotic leather upholstery and a 6-speed Twin Clutch SST transmission, a Mitsubishi-trademarked revolutionary transmission system capable of delivering lightning-quick gear shifts.

Furthermore, the Evo series became more prominent the world over when the Evo VII got a high-profile role in the box office film, 2 Fast 2 Furious, as the primary ride of the film’s main character, Brian O’Conner, portrayed by the famous actor, Paul Walker.

2. Eclipse – A sports coupe with a muscular and exotic ergonomics, the Eclipse features the state-of-the art Sportronic transmission system mated to a 3.8-liter V6 263 Hp 4-cylinder MIVEC engine. Just like the Evo, the Eclipse is among the Mitsubishi cars that gained worldwide prominence when it appeared in a conspicuous role in the original Fast and the Furious film. Furthermore, its convertible variant, the Eclipse GT Spyder, also appeared in a major role in the film’s sequel, 2 Fast 2 Furious, as the sporty purple ride of the actor Tyrese Gibson, the film’s supporting act.

3. Pajero – Known as the Montero in North America, and as the Shogun in the United Kingdom, the Pajero is Mitsubishi Motors’ most successful SUV. It gained multiple accolades after winning a total of seven out of the latest ten races in its classification at the annual Dakar Rally, the world’s toughest off-road race that stretches 8,000 kilometers.

Spanning four generations since its unveiling in 1985, the latest Pajero now features a V6 3.8-liter gasoline engine producing 247 Hp and 329 Nm of torque.

4. Outlander – Also known as the Airtrek in some countries, the Outlander is Mitsubishi’s 4WD crossover that offers high levels of driving pleasure off and on the road. With its 2.4-liter MIVEC engine mated to a third-generation INVECS continuously variable transmission system, the Outlander is a fierce competitor in the mid-size family SUV market worldwide. Moreover, the Outlander is a showcase of Mitsubishi Motors’ patented Reinforced Impact Safety Revolution, a rigid body manufacturing system that greatly enhances passenger safety.

5. Lancer – A compact yet sporty family sedan with great handling and riding comfort, the Lancer has made itself well-known in many parts of the globe with its roomy interior, aside from being the platform of the Lancer Evolution series.

The latest generation Lancer was unveiled in Taiwan in September 2007. Powered by a 4B11 2-liter 157 Hp 4-cylinder engine mated to a 6-speed CVT transmission, the Lancer has come a long way in terms of its power train advancements. Having sold over seven million Lancers from 1973 up to this day, Mitsubishi has definitely captured a big number of audience in the compact sedan segment.

A commonly perceived notion among many small business owners is that you have to be a rocket scientist to understand bookkeeping and accounting. It is important to debunk the notion and set the records straight. Small business accounting need not be a challenge, if you are willing to take simple but important steps to keep your books in order. Applying basic accounting tips for small businesses can help ensure your business runs smoothly and is profitable.

Employ a bookkeeper

Letting money take care of itself is recipe for trouble. Hire a bookkeeper to keep accurate and up to date business records of money. A bookkeeper will also handle important accounting matters, such as payment of bills, invoicing, chasing debts and submitting tax forms.

Buy accounting software

There has been debate on whether to use software or paper accounting systems. Advances in technology, however, have ensured software wins the debate every time. Buy off-the-shelf accounting software like Quicken or MYOB to improve efficiency and simplify the accounting process.

Understand your tax obligations

Small businesses are required to pay tax. Understand what your tax obligations are and how best to meet the obligations. Because this can be a complicated area, hire an accountant to help with your Business Activity Statements and advice on complex matters, such as tax minimisation, depreciation, deductions and reporting procedures.

Prepare a budget

View a budget as a blueprint for your money. Budgets help track business income, expenses and areas where cash flow needs improvement. Prepare a monthly budget or a budget for a year ahead to forecast business activities and compare actual performance with projections.

Keep it simple

Importantly, keep it simple. The less complicated your accounting system is, the better it is for your business. Consult small business accounting experts on the best way to tailor accounting systems for your business.

For bookeeping and small business advice see Time accountants Brighton.

Reykjavik harbour

There are many cities in Europe that can provide a relaxing, fun and interesting holiday or short break. One of the most overlooked cities in Europe is Reykjavik. The capital city of Iceland has much to offer for all types of travellers and can give you a unique holidaying experience.

How to get there

In recent years it has become much easier to get to Iceland. It is as accessible as any of the major cities in the rest of Europe with a flying time from London of only three hours. The country has its own airline that flies to a number of UK airports and from March 2012 Easyjet will be operating flights to Reykjavik from Luton airport.

Where to stay

Reykjavik has a varied selection of accommodation available for holiday makers. There are many hotels, apartments and guest houses in the city, catering to travellers on all budgets. Those looking to travel on a budget could stay at one of the hostels or camp sites in and around the city.

Food and drink

There is great variety to the food and drink that is available in Iceland. The food takes its influence from Europe and the rest of the world and you can find almost any cuisine you desire within the capital. If you are looking for an authentic experience there are plenty of restaurants, coffee shops and bars that serve traditional Icelandic fare.

Things to do and see

Reykjavik has the perfect blend of nature, sightseeing, shopping, culture and night life. Places of interest to visit include Reykjavik City Hall and the Hallgrimskirkja Church. For the adventurous traveller there are many outdoor activities including skiing, skating and fishing. For a truly memorable experience you could go on a whale watching trip.

When it comes to choosing a tea kettle, there is no shortage of types and styles. Whether you are just looking for a decorative piece to display on your stove or counter, or you need something functional for brewing tea, you will be sure to find the perfect one that will meet your specific needs. Tea kettles are available in different sizes, shapes, colors and materials and range in capacity from small to extra large.

Stove Top (Traditional)

Stove top kettles are available in many different colors and styles to match any home décor. They are most often made from metal – such as copper, cast iron, stainless steel and aluminum. There are glass kettles available as well. Stove top kettles come with a whistler, either mounted onto the spout or detachable. They include a lid and a sturdy handle as well. When the water inside the pot begins to boil, it creates steam which causes the pot to whistle. This signifies that the water is ready for use. Different kettles make different whistling sounds.

Electric kettles

Electric kettles offer more features than traditional or stove top versions. They most often come with a built-in whistle to let you know when the water is ready for use. Many of them offer various heat settings, water level indicators, as well as an automatic safety shut-off in case the pot boils dry. They are available with or without a cord. The cordless versions come with a power base that includes either a concealed or a non-concealed element.

Cordless versions are more convenient to use than corded ones because the pot is not restricted by the cord length and can easily be moved around. Electric versions typically boil water faster than stove top versions. They are most often made from metal, but are also available in glass.

This was a guest post by John for Russell Hobbs who offer a wide range of kettles in all shapes and sizes